DeWeese v. City of Port Townsend

Worswick, A.C.J.

— We are asked to decide whether traditional rules for determining standing to challenge a street vacation apply where the street in question abuts a body of water. We hold that broader principles apply, and reverse a trial court ruling to the contrary.

Lawrence Street runs in a northeast-southwest direction within Port Townsend. It is developed and open for traffic northeast of Kearney Street. Kearney, developed and open for traffic, crosses Lawrence at a right angle. Lawrence, although platted southwest of Kearney, is undeveloped between Kearney and the point where it abuts…